By Abdullahi Lukman
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to launch a ₦500 billion Produce-for-Lagos Offtaker Guarantee Fund and Programme on July 23 to boost food security, cut imports, and drive agricultural growth across Nigeria.
Making the announcement, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, said the initiative aims to reduce post-harvest losses by 40 percent, generate over four million jobs nationwide, cut food imports by over 60 percent, and achieve a 25 percent annual reduction in food prices and inflation.
Olusanya urged stakeholders — including farmers, agribusinesses, and financial institutions — to collaborate in building a food sovereign system.
She emphasized the programme’s role in expanding food production, storage, logistics, and distribution nationwide.
With Lagos projected to reach a population of 24 million by 2030, annual food demand is expected to hit ₦7.96 trillion. At current production rates, the state may need to import ₦3.38 trillion worth of food annually to meet demand.
To reduce this dependency, Lagos plans to increase local food production by at least 20 percent each year to achieve 40 percent self-sufficiency.
